Victoria Rolls Out Contactless Payments on Public Transport
"Tap-and-go technology simplifies public transport use."
— Public Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams
Victoria has begun a staged rollout of contactless payment technology across its public transport network, allowing passengers on most metropolitan train lines and trams to use bank cards, smartphones, and smartwatches for fare payment.
The system currently supports only full-fare adult passengers. Concession cardholders and users of weekly, monthly, or yearly myki passes must continue using a physical myki card.
Train Network Rollout
Stage One (June 7, 2026)
Contactless payment became available on the following metropolitan train lines:
- Sunbury, Pakenham, Cranbourne, Werribee, Williamstown, Sandringham, Frankston, and Stony Point lines
- Regional V/Line services: Bendigo, Gippsland, and Geelong lines
Stage Two (June 14, 2026)
The following lines are scheduled to adopt the technology:
- Mernda, Hurstbridge, Lilydale, Belgrave, Alamein, and Glen Waverley lines
Tram and Bus Implementation
Contactless payments were extended to Melbourne's tram network on a Sunday following the train rollout. The government stated that myki-enabled buses would gain the capability in the following month. A wider system upgrade to include all trams and buses is expected by 2027.
System Limitations
- Concession fares: Not supported. Concession passengers — approximately one-third of all commuters — must use a physical or digital myki card to receive discounted rates. The Victorian Auditor-General's Office reported this functionality is unlikely before mid-2027.
- Myki passes: Weekly, monthly, or annual pass holders must continue using a physical myki card.
- Multiple passengers: Each passenger requires their own payment method; one card cannot pay for multiple travelers.
- International cards: Australian bank cards incur no surcharge; international cards may attract fees.
- Ticket checks: Authorized officers use portable readers to verify active tap-ons. They do not have access to bank balances or personal details.
Fares and Discounts
Fares are charged at the same rate as standard full-fare myki money. The state government has committed to half-price public transport until January 1, 2027, capping the full daily fare at $5.70.
Trial and Background
The rollout follows a trial conducted in March 2026 on the Craigieburn, Upfield, Ballarat, and Seymour lines, which recorded over 88,500 tap-and-go trips. Approximately 80% of these transactions were made using a phone or smartwatch. The trial was interrupted by a period of free public transport in April and May, which was later replaced with half-price fares.
Nearly 3,000 new ticket readers have been installed at over 280 train stations in preparation for the transition.
In 2023, the Victorian government signed a $1.7 billion, 15-year contract with US-based company Conduent to operate the myki system and enable contactless payments. A March report from the Victorian Auditor-General's Office found that the project experienced an 18-month delay and a $136.8 million cost overrun, with contract disputes between Conduent and the transport department noted. The myki system's full retirement is scheduled for 2028.
For context: Contactless payment on all forms of public transport in Sydney has been available since 2019.
Statements
Daniel Bowen of the Public Transport Users Association welcomed the rollout but noted potential confusion as trams and buses were initially excluded. He called for a weekly $28.50 tap-and-go cap to match the cost of a weekly myki pass.
Matthew Guy, opposition public transport spokesman, criticized the government for the slow rollout, comparing it to Sydney's earlier adoption.
Opposition Leader Jess Wilson announced a five-week tour of all 88 lower house electorates to highlight what she described as a lack of investment in regional Victoria. Parliamentary Budget Office analysis showed regional investment at 11.9% of state spending, down from 12%.